Conical Flow Conditioner for Asymmetric Pipe Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow conditioners are ineffective in conditioning flows with asymmetric profiles, particularly around pipe elbows, where swirl introduces velocity asymmetry, reducing measurement accuracy and requiring lengthy straight pipes for uniform conditioning.
Innovation Solution
A conical flow conditioner with a reducing cone wall and apertures, combined with straightening vanes, is designed to introduce uniform swirl and distribute asymmetry across the flow profile, reducing the need for lengthy straight pipes and minimizing pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If typical flow conditioners are used in pipes with elbows, then the flow profile remains asymmetric with swirl, but measurement accuracy deteriorates and requires lengthy straight pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conditioner performs preliminary conditioning action by introducing controlled swirl and distributing asymmetry uniformly across the flow profile before measurement, eliminating the need for lengthy straight pipe sections that would otherwise be required to naturally develop uniform flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately introduces controlled asymmetry through the conical structure and baffle plates to counteract the asymmetric swirl from elbows, transforming the harmful asymmetric flow into a uniformly distributed asymmetric profile that enables accurate measurement
2Measurement precision
If flow conditioners are designed to condition asymmetric flow profiles, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conditioner is segmented into distinct functional components: a conical section for introducing controlled swirl, multiple baffle plates for distributing asymmetry, and an outlet section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry with its curved surfaces naturally guides the flow and introduces controlled swirl without requiring complex mechanical moving parts. The curved baffle plates further manipulate the flow pattern through their geometric shape alone, achieving sophisticated flow conditioning through pure geometry
3Stability of the object's composition
If flow conditioners restrict flow to condition the profile, then flow symmetry improves, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical section changes the flow parameters by introducing controlled swirl and modifying velocity distribution. The baffle plates further adjust flow parameters by redistributing asymmetry, achieving flow symmetry through parameter transformation rather than restrictive blocking that would cause high pressure drop
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The conical flow conditioner enhances measurement accuracy by uniformly distributing flow asymmetry and reducing the required straight pipe length, while minimizing flow restriction and pressure drop, thus saving materials, space, and cost.
Implementation Method 1
configured to introduce a uniform swirl to the flow profile
Implementation Method 2
to mix the pattern of flow velocity and distribute the flow including the asymmetries uniformly across the flow profile
Implementation Method 3
a vane formation downstream of the conical formation to remove the swirl and straighten the flow
Data Source
AI summary
A flow conditioning device for insertion in a flow conduit transporting a flow stream includes a top flange defining a flow conditioning opening having an opening area size and receiving the flow stream, a bottom base receiving the flow stream after the flow stream passes through the top flange having a base area size, and a conditioning wall joining the top flange to the bottom base, where the opening area size is greater than the base area size.